Chandigarh: February 4, 2015 |Controversial godman’s movie MSG likely to hit Haryana screens on Feb 13 as HC refuses to stay release.The Punjab and Haryana High Court has refused to stay the release of controversial film ‘The Messnger of God’, starring Sirsa based controversial godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim. Ram Rahim is chief of Dera Sauda Sirsa, a Sirsa based sect.

It is notable that a Mohali based NGO named Kalgidhar Sewak Jatha had moved to the High Court seeking a ban on the screening of the film in Chandigarh and Haryana, saying it would pose a serious threat to the law and order situation. The petitioner had referred to ban imposed by Punjab government on the screening of the movie.

“The High court division bench said that it will watch the movie first and assess if it hurts sentiments of the people… The court wants to assure itself that the movie has any effect on the peace and tranquility of the society before passing any orders,” said Naveen Saini, counsel for the petitioners who had also presented before the court orders passed by the Censor Board objecting to the release of the film.

‘MSG’ was banned by the Punjab government last month following protests in towns and cities across north India, including Delhi, over the film which, Sikh groups allege, “glorifies” the Dera leader who has several criminal cases against him. But with the High Court refusing to stay its release, the film is now set to hit theatres on February 13 in Haryana.

Indian National Lok Dal, an opposition party in Haryana, is also opposing the release of ‘MSG’ in the state. Party leaders say the Dera chief faces serious criminal charges including sexual abuse and murder and his portrayal as a hero in the film would have negative effect on the youth.